Environment and Planning

Our Environment and Planning Group is one of the largest and most experienced in Australia, with a strong reputation for practical, strategic advice and a responsive, cost-conscious approach. We work across all areas of environmental and planning law, supporting clients through complex regulatory frameworks and tight timeframes.

We act for developers, landowners, local, state & federal government, energy and infrastructure providers, and resource companies guiding projects from early due diligence and planning and environmental approvals through to delivery, and infrastructure and offset agreements. Our team are also experienced litigators in planning tribunals and courts, regularly advising on appeals, enforcement, prosecutions, planning agreements, compulsory acquisition and compensation, and administrative law.

We also advise on contamination, sustainability, climate change, flooding, threatened species, waste, pollution, environmental registers and as well as other regulatory matters associated with land use activities.

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Environment and Planning

Our experience

  • StocklandAdvised on planning due diligence in relation to several purchases of large development sites involving planning and environmental issues.
  • Cbus PropertyAdvised on master plan consent for Newmarket Site, Randwick, covering mixed-use residential development (13 building envelopes, 9 lots, roads, public open space, state heritage item) and subsequent applications, including appeal and planning agreement.
  • DeicorpAdvised in relation to a state significant development for 44 and 45 storey tower mixed use development in Parramatta CBD and associated state voluntary planning agreement.
  • Newcastle Airport Pty LimitedAdvised on planning pathways for the future development of the Airport and its 20 year masterplan, due diligence and planning and environmental advice on adjoining land for Aerotropolis.
  • NSW statutory authorityActed in relation to a prosecution by the EPA of our client in the LEC for water pollution offences, which were ultimately withdrawn.
  • Large Aquaculture ProducerAdvised on all aspects of site acquisitions on fish farms including sties located near sensitive wetlands involving amendments to existing approvals, new approvals, and issues around the release of waters to sensitive estuarine environments and impacts upon the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Landfill, Waste and Energy OperatorAdvised on land use approvals for a landfill, including local and State approvals involving groundwater, contamination, amenity impacts, and conditions of approval. Also advised on approval pathway for an associated waste-to-energy facility.
  • MTAA and PEET Limited – Major Greenfield DevelopmentAdvised on the initial approval pathway for the Greater Flagstone Urban Development Area, including land use rights, background studies, applications to local and State entities, infrastructure agreements, and the creation of statutory and strategic planning regulations.